What do I have to do to become a Certified Master Gardener Volunteer?

General Wisconsin Master Gardener training includes 36 hours of classroom training giving an overview on a variety of horticulture topics including soils, botany, entomology, plant pathology, houseplants, landscaping, turf, vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants.

When are classes held?

The statewide general training consists of twelve classes held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 to 9:00 p.m. in the spring (visit state MG website for class information ). You are expected to attend all the classes and will be asked to sign in at each session. Classes are held via fiber optics by state specialists from the UW-Madison.

Do I have to take exams?

An open-book take home final exam is given at the end of each training program. You must pass this exam with a minimum score of 70% to pass the course. The purpose of the exam is to train Master Gardener Volunteers to learn how to use the reference material.

We pay $15 dues every year to help pay the cost of state and local newsletters. Since Eau Claire County Extension office needs to charge for printing and mailing our newsletters, everyone who has an email address is encouraged to receive newsletters as attachments to an email. If you’ve paid your dues and want to receive a paper-based newsletter, just phone or email Erin LaFaive at 715-839-4714 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . (Pictures show up much better in emailed newsletters!)

How do I become more involved?

After the general training and first 24 hours of volunteer services are completed, you will receive an official Master Gardener certificate. This entitles you to become more involved in the group, lead projects, and hold office to drive new initiatives. Simply volunteering for current projects and beautifying the community is a great way to get involved too! Completing more than 24 hours annually is encouraged.

What is General Training?

In order to become a Master Gardner Volunteer this is the training session needed. This training lasts 12 weeks and starts in January or February. It is an overview training focusing on soils, botany, entomology, plant pathology, houseplants, landscaping, turf, vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants.

What is Specialized Training?

These trainings are only for Master Gardener Volunteers and focus on one topic such as fruits and vegetables, lawn care, or ornamental trees and shrubs.